West Michigan friends earn spot on Forbes 30 Under 30

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — After launching a protein-packed ice cream brand, two friends from West Michigan have been named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.

On Tuesday, Forbes released its list for 2026. In the Food & Drink category, Hudsonville natives Michael Meadows and Paul Reiss — the co-founders of Protein Pints — were recognized.

A courtesy image of Michael Meadows and Paul Reiss, the co-founders of Protein Pints.

News 8 first spoke with the pair in 2023. The two shared a love for ice cream — but as they grew older and became interested in health and fitness, too, they realized something was missing.

“We went to the store one day and were looking for a high-protein ice cream, and what do you know? We weren’t able to find it,” Reiss told News 8 at the time.

A courtesy image of Protein Pints.

They were inspired to create a protein-filled ice cream, called Protein Pints. The pair worked with Chris McKellar, the owner of Love’s Ice Cream and Chocolate in Grand Rapids, to create their product.

In 2024, the pints were tested in 10 Meijer locations. Now, they’re available at nearly 8,000 stores across the country, boasting 30 grams of protein in each pint and flavors like cookie dough, peanut butter chip and coffee.

This year, the company has made $10 million in revenue.

“We want everyone to have access to an ice cream they can feel great about eating,” Reiss said in 2023. “I think that’s really where our heart’s at.”